What They Don’t Tell You When You Start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a Woman (Part 1)
If you're a woman thinking of starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), you're probably aware of some of the physical and mental benefits: the fitness, the self-defence and the empowerment.
There’s a lot more that goes on behind the scenes, things no one really tells you before you step on the mat.
Here’s the inside scoop on what you might not expect when you start your BJJ journey.
1. You’ll Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable.
BJJ is all about getting up close and personal, often in awkward and sweaty positions. At first, this might feel uncomfortable or even strange.
The close-contact nature of the sport can be intimidating for some women, but soon, you’ll get used to it. You’ll learn how to use your body in new ways, and that discomfort will start to feel empowering as you gain control and skill.
2. It Will Challenge Your Body in Ways You’ve Never Imagined.
Forget the idea that BJJ is just about strength. It’s about leverage, timing and technique. That means you can be successful even if you’re not super muscular or athletic.
The flip side is that you’ll still use muscles you didn’t know existed. You’ll feel sore in places you didn’t know could get sore, and some days, you’ll be absolutely exhausted.
But that’s normal and it’s part of getting stronger.
3. There’s No Such Thing as “Not Your Style.”
You won’t be able to escape sparring (rolling), no matter how much you want to skip it in the beginning. And trust me, there will be days when you just don’t want to roll. But rolling is the heart of BJJ. It’s where you learn, grow, and test your skills.
You may be paired with a partner who’s bigger, smaller or more experienced, but every roll is a learning opportunity. It’s not about “winning” but about how much you can improve each time.
4. You’ll Be Surrounded by a Diverse Group of People.
The BJJ community isn’t just made up of one type of person. You'll meet practitioners of all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels.
5. Try Out a Class at One Purpose BJJ in Salisbury or Slacks Creek
If you’re still on the fence about diving into BJJ, why not take a step today? Book a free trial to get a feel for the basics of BJJ in a supportive environment.
Despite the sometimes intimidating atmosphere of martial arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tends to attract a group of people who are welcoming and supportive, especially toward women who are starting their journey. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself in the minority, especially in the beginning. Stick with it, and soon you’ll find your tribe.
To the women who don’t see themselves as strong, who’ve never been the sporty type, or who feel nervous about walking into a room full of experienced Jiu Jitsu practitioners, we urge you to take the leap anyway.
If you’re in Brisbane, make sure to book in a free trial at One Purpose BJJ for anyone who would like to try out Brazilian Jiu Jitsu before committing to joining a membership.
Brazilian Jiujitsu will push you to grow in ways you didn’t expect, challenging you physically, mentally and emotionally. You’ll encounter moments of doubt and discomfort, but each one will only make you stronger.